Category: Single Member District

My Resignation

Friends,

I write to you today to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner of Single-Member District 2B02. I am relocating to Petworth, where I have recently purchased a home. While I am very excited to be a homeowner and to remain here in the District, I am also sad that I have to leave the community I have called home for over 10 years now.

As Commissioner, I have been fortunate enough to play a role in a number of important changes and developments across Dupont Circle. Before I resign, I want to take this opportunity to thank you, my community and supporters, and reflect upon some of the things that we have accomplished together.

I must give thanks to the dedicated public servants in District government for their tireless efforts to assist me and my fellow Commissioners as we work to make neighborhood services operate smoothly and to keep Dupont Circle a destination for locals and tourists alike. My Single-Member District has benefited the diligent efforts of folks like Matthew Marcou at the District Department of Transportation, as well as Ruth Werner, and Sherri Kimbel; two of the truly outstanding staff members of Councilmember Jack Evans.

I would also like to voice my appreciation to those at the Alcoholic Beverage Regulatory Administration (ABRA), with whom I have worked very closely in my capacity as ABRA Committee Chair with the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC). I am grateful for the assistance of Fred Moosally, Martha Jenkins, Bill Hager, LaVerne Fletcher, and Sarah Fashbaugh for their continued assistance in helping the ANC on alcohol policy matters ranging from small questions about the particulars of a Settlement Agreement to briefings on moratoria.

My appreciation also extends to the outstanding community groups I have worked with throughout my term, including Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, Golden Triangle Business Improvement District, and Dupont Festival. Each makes vital contributions to our neighborhood and its unique character.

I am extremely appreciative to have had the opportunity to work with a number of talented Commissioners during the past three and half years. During my first term, I was able to serve with the support of long-time community leaders such as Bob and Susan Meehan, Victor Wexler, and Phil Carney. The guidance of Ramon Estrada on ABRA matters has proven to be invaluable; Jack Jacobson’s dedicated work ethic and focus is something I have strived to emulate during my two terms; and, I owe my initial interest in running for this position to the mentorship of Mike Silverstein and Mike Feldstein.

To my current colleagues, I could not be more proud to work with you. I know that under the leadership of my friend Will Stephens this Commission has and will continue to set the standard for the rest of the District. I could not possibly be more optimistic about the range of talents and experience my newer colleagues Leo Dwyer, Stephanie Maltz, Kishan Putta, Abigail Nichols, and Noah Smith bring to Dupont Circle. I am excited to watch them excel and regret that I will not have the opportunity to continue to work with them on the vast array of projects we have undertaken.

Over the past three and a half years, we have worked together to improve our neighborhood and make it a better place to live. I am proud to have helped bring more bicycle parking and bikeshare stations to my neighborhood; established model standards for businesses and residents to follow with regard to both public space and Settlement Agreement negotiation; led the discussions allowing for increasing restaurant licenses both on P Street and 17th Street; helped establish new rules and guidelines to improve the governance of our ANC; and supported progressive zoning and historic preservation guidelines to support the future growth of the District.

Finally, I would like to show my appreciation to my 2B02 constituents that I have tried my best to serve over the course of my terms. To the folks at The August apartment building where I have lived these past 10 years: thank you for your continued support and encouragement. To the folks I have worked with on different projects ranging from liquor matters, to zoning, and transportation (Karyn Siobhan Robinson, Peg Shaw, Alan Rueckgauer, Jonathan Padget, Rudi Riet, and far too many more) thank you for your passion and commitment to making our neighborhood a better place.

At the conclusion of our May 14th meeting, I will formally tender my resignation. With my absence on the Commission, I will be nominating our outstanding public policy intern and ANC2B02 resident Daniel Warwick to serve as liaison to the ANC until my replacement is elected. I encourage you to reach out to him and introduce yourself; I know that he will serve our community well.

Thank you for your time and for allowing me to serve. Know that I will always remain an active advocate for the well-being of my community District-wide, and that I look forward to working alongside you to help make the District of Columbia a better place for all of its residents.

All the best,

Kevin O’Connor

NEWS: Zoning, Preservation, and Development Committee Agenda for 5/7/2014

ZPD Draft Agenda (May – 2014)

Meeting to take place at the Dupont Circle Resource Center, 9 Dupont Circle NW on Wednesday, May 7th at 7:00pm

  • Application to HPRB for construction at 1337 22nd St (2B06)
  • Application to HPRB for construction at 3 Dupont Circle (2B02)
  • Application to HPRB for construction at 1620 Q St (2B05)
  • Application to BZA hearing #18773 for construction at 1528 Church St (2B05)
  • Application to BZA for construction at 1815 Riggs Place (2B01)
  • Review – Zoning Policy and Procedures Manual

BLOG: Congratulations to Dupont-area CityPaper 2014 “Best of DC” Winners!

Congratulations to the many Dupont-area winners in the Washington CityPaper’s 2014 “Best of DC” Readers Poll!  If you want to remember why we all love living in this neighborhood, look no further than this annual list.

This year’s winners in Dupont include:

  • Best Alcoholic Punch (runners-up):  Golden Brown & Delicious, Hank’s Oyster Bar
  • Best Burger (runners-up): Shake Shack
  • Best Craft Beer Selection (runners-up): Pizzeria Paradiso
  • Best Doughnuts (runners-up): Golden Brown & Delicious, Krispy Kreme
  • Best Downtown Lunch: Roti
  • Best Fried Chicken (runners-up): Golden Brown & Delicious
  • Best Gourmet Pizza (runners-up): Pizzeria Paradiso
  • Best Hangover Breakfast: Ted’s Bulletin (winner), Local 16 (runner-up)
  • Best Hookah Lounge: Chi Cha Lounge
  • Best Ice Cream Shop (runner-up): Dolcezza Gelato
  • Best Italian Restaurant (runner-up): Al Tiramisu
  • Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Ted’s Bulletin
  • Best Korean: Mandu
  • Best Late-Night Eats: Amsterdam Falafelshop
  • Best Margarita (runner-up): Lauriol Plaza
  • Best Martini: Dirty Martini
  • Best Milkshake: Ted’s Bulletin
  • Best Neighborhood Brunch: Local 16
  • Best Restaurant: Le Mirch
  • Best Restaurant When Someone Else Pays: Komi
  • Best Restaurant When You Pay: Amsterdam Falafelshop
  • Best Rooftop Bar (runner-up): Local 16
  • Best Salad: Sweetgreen
  • Best Sandwich: Taylor Gourmet
  • Best Singles Bar: Local 16
  • Best Tasting Menu: Komi
  • Best New Restaurant (Staff Pick): Iron Gate
  • Best Soft-Serve (Staff Pick): Doi Moi
  • Best Value Multi-Course Meal (Staff Pick): Little Serow
  • Best Cocktail Bar (Staff Pick): 2 Birds 1 Stone
  • Best Craft Beer Bar (Staff Pick): Pizza Paradiso
  • Best Art Class (runner-up): ArtJamz
  • Best Art Gallery (runner-up): Phillips Collection
  • Best Comedy Venue: DC Improv
  • Best Exhibit: Van Gogh Repetitions @ Phillips Collection
  • Best Lounge: 18th Street Lounge
  • Best Museum off the Mall: Phillips Collection
  • Best Performance Artist (runner-up): Aaron Myers (artist-in-residence @ Black Fox Lounge)
  • Best Singer (runner-up): Aaron Myers (artist-in-residence @ Black Fox Lounge)
  • Best Reading Series: Three Tents @ The Big Hunt
  • Best Arts & Crafts Store (runner-up): Beadazzled
  • Best Book Store (runner-up): Kramerbooks
  • Best Consignment Shop: Secondi
  • Best Doggie Day Care: CityDogs
  • Best Farmers Market (runner-up): Dupont Circle Freshfarm Market
  • Best Gym (runner-up): Vida Fitness
  • Best Hair Salon (runner-up): Bang Salon
  • Best Mani/Pedi (runner-up): Mimosa Salon
  • Best Place to Buy Fur Handcuffs (runner-up): The Pleasure Place
  • Best Place to Buy Jewelry (runner-up): Lou Lou
  • Best Place to Buy Vinyl: Joint Custody
  • Best Place to Buy Wine (runner-up): Trader Joe’s
  • Best Public Wi-Fi: Starbucks
  • Best Therapeutic Massage: Unwind Wellness Center
  • Best Vintage Clothing Store: Treasury Vintage Clothing & Curios
  • Best Wedding Venue: Carnegie Institution for Science
  • Best Old-World Barber (Staff Pick): Diego’s Hair Salon
  • Best Home Merchandising (Staff Pick): GoodWood
  • Best Proposed Circulator Expansion (Staff Pick): Abe’s to Ben’s route
  • Best Place to Buy Old Shoes (Staff Pick): Secondi
  • Best Neighborhood for Dining: 14th Street (winner), U Street (runner-up)
  • Best Neighborhood for Night Life: U Street

BLOG: Report on quarterly ANC Chairs meeting with Mayor Gray: FY 2015 budget

Cross-posted at www.willstephensanc.com

On Monday, April 7th, Mayor Gray hosted his quarterly meeting with ANC Chairs and agency heads.  This is an initiative that the Mayor started about 3 years ago.  The meeting usually begins with introductions, and then a presentation or two from various city agency representatives, followed by questions and open discussion.  These sessions can be very useful because the Mayor includes all of the agency heads at the meetings.  This way, there is always someone to answer any question that arises, and the Mayor can direct an agency head to follow up on concerns or issues raised during the discussion.  I hope whoever is the next mayor will continue this new tradition.

Monday night’s meeting focused almost exclusively on the budget.  The session began with a presentation on the Mayor’s proposed FY 2015 budget by Eric Goulet, Director of the Mayor’s Office on Budget and Finance.  Full budget information is available here.

Some overall highlights of the budget overview included the following:

  • Increases the District’s fund balance to $1.75 billion (the highest ever) to improve the city’s bond rating;
  • No new taxes or fees;
  • Represents a 4.5% total increase over the approved FY 2014 budget;
  • Human services and education make up over 60% of the total budget; and
  • 71% of the budget is generated from local taxes and fees (with the rest coming from federal grants, payments, and Medicaid).

With respect to the ANC and our part of the city in particular, some highlights of the budget presentation included the following:

  • $38 million for renovation of Garrison Elementary School;
  • Property tax relief for seniors (based on the recent legislation sponsored by Councilwoman Anita Bonds);
  • Creation of a “One City Business Portal” for unified licensing and permitting;
  • Fully funds a force of 4,000 police officers; and
  • $114 million for sidewalk repairs, bicycle, and pedestrian improvements (including eliminating the current $18 million backlog of outstanding sidewalk repairs).

This is the third year that the Mayor has discussed the budget with ANC Chairs, followed by town hall meetings around the city.  I thanked the Mayor for respecting the intelligence of ANC Commissioners and residents by hosting these sessions.  The budget is probably the most important piece of legislation that the Council passes each year, but at the same also the hardest for individual residents and stakeholders to understand, because it is so large and dense.  The budget puts hard dollars toward priority items and thus reflects our values as a city — how we want to improve the quality of life and help people.  I appreciate that the Mayor is willing to explain clearly the priorities reflected in the budget proposal, package it in a way that is understandable, answer difficult questions about it, and solicit feedback on it.

With regard to specific budget items that we discussed at the quarterly meeting, I thanked the Mayor on behalf of our ANC for the Garrison School funding, as well as for funding the backlog of sidewalk repairs, given the heavy pedestrian traffic in our area.  I suggest that ANC Commissioners host walk-throughs of their Single Member Districts to make sure any necessary sidewalk repairs are noted and logged in the District Department of Transportation’s list in order to get repaired between now and the end of FY 2015.  I’ll be doing a sidewalk repair walk-through in 2B08 with DDOT representatives in May.

The Mayor, Mr. Goulet, and others will be holding town hall meetings in each ward to discuss the budget proposal.  The Ward 2 Budget town hall meeting will take place at the Sumner School (17th and M) at 6:30pm on Thursday, April 24th.  Community members are encouraged to attend.

BLOG: Proposed Revisions to ANC2B’s Bylaws

As discussed at ANC2B’s March 2014 meeting, I intend to propose the below revisions to ANC2B’s Bylaws at our April 2014 regular meeting – April 9. All deletions are indicated by strikethrough and all proposed additions are bold and italicized.

Please email your thoughts on the proposed revisions to us or leave them in the comments section.

-Kevin O’Connor

Commissioner, ANC2Bo2

Bylaws of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2B

ARTICLE I — NAME:

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2B shall be known as the Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2B, or ANC 2B. The Commission is established pursuant to the D.C. Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act its successors, and the Comprehensive Advisory Neighborhood Commissions Reform Amendment Act.

ARTICLE II — PURPOSE:

Section 1 — The Commission may advise the Council, Mayor, and Executive Branch agencies, and independent agencies, boards, and commissions of the government of the District of Columbia with respect to all matters of District governmental policy or service delivery. Such matters include, but are not limited to, decisions regarding urban planning, transportation, public works, streetscape improvement, neighborhood services, business revitalization, parks and recreation, social services, education, health, public safety, taxation, and cleanliness and sanitation which affect the Commission area. More specifically, the Commission shall consider administrative applications and proposed policy changes regarding, but not limited to, zoning, public space, parking and transportation, historic preservation, property use and occupancy, alcoholic beverage control, public safety, and comprehensive planning. The views of the Commission shall be granted “great weight,” as defined by D.C. law, when adopted by a majority of the Commission in a public meeting.

Section 2 — The Commission may present its views to public and private entities including, but not limited to, District, regional, or federal government agencies.

Section 3 — The Commission may initiate its own proposals for neighborhood, District, regional, or federal government action.

Section 4 — The Commission shall receive, investigate, and consider constituent concerns and complaints. When appropriate, the Commission shall attempt to resolve the concern or complaint. The Commission may transmit such issues to the appropriate public or private entity for resolution.

Section 5 — Each year, the Commission shall file an annual report with the Council and the Mayor for the preceding fiscal year. Such report shall provide a summary of the Commission’s activities for the prior fiscal year and provide pertinent recommendations for the improvement of services, policy, or programs.

Section 6 — The Commission shall when appropriate, constitute the citizen advisory mechanism required by law or regulation.

Section 7 — The Commission shall carry out any other function as shall be provided by law or regulation.

ARTICLE III — MEMBERS:

Section 1 — The Commission shall be comprised of the Commissioners duly elected and certified by the Board of Elections and Ethics to Single Member Districts within the Commission’s boundaries. The boundaries of the Commission and Single Member Districts shall be developed after the decennial census in a process determined by the Council.

Section 2 — Commissioners shall normally serve for a term of two years beginning noon on the second day of January following the election. In the case of a vacancy, such vacancy will be filled for the balance of the term of office in accordance with law and the regulations of the Board of Elections and Ethics.

Section 3 — Each Commissioner shall have one vote in Commission matters. If a Commissioner may not be in attendance for a particular vote related to a specific matter, the Commissioner may assign her/his vote in the matter to another Commissioner. In such cases, the Commissioner shall assign the proxy by signed letter to the Secretary indicating the specific matter and required vote.

Section 4 — Commissioners shall take due diligence to avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest on matters before the Commission. A Commissioner shall notify the Commission of any instance where she/he has a financial or personal interest in an action before the Commission. A Commissioner shall not participate in the deliberations of or vote on any motions related to a matter where she/he has a direct financial interest. If a Commissioner is involved in civic, business, political, or neighborhood organizations with business before the Commission, she/he shall notify the Commission of this and of her/his role in the matter. When appropriate, a Commissioner may be excused from participating in a matter to avoid an actual or perceived conflict of interest.

ARTICLE IV — OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES:

Section 1 — In January of each year, the Commission shall elect from among its members a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as may be determined by the Commission. Additional elections may be held at any regular meeting upon approval of a motion supported by a majority of Commissioners.

Section 2 — A quorum for the election of officers shall be a majority of the Commissioners.

Section 3 – In the event of a tie vote, the election of a Commission officer will be decided by a coin-flip.

Section 4  3 — The Chairperson shall serve as convener of the Commission and shall chair the meetings. During meetings, the Chairperson shall rule on motions and procedural issues; such rulings may be reconsidered consistent with the parliamentary authority. The Chairperson shall supervise employees and manage the business operations of the Commission.

Section 5  4 — The Vice Chairperson shall fulfill the obligations of the Chairperson in her/his absence. The Vice Chairperson shall provide such assistance to the Chairperson as is requested and shall perform such duties as may be delegated by the Chairperson.

Section 6 5 — The Secretary shall be responsible for the preparation of minutes of public meetings and for maintaining the official records of the Commission. Employees may be assigned by the Commission to assist with these tasks.

Section 7 6 — The Treasurer shall be responsible for the fiscal management of the Commission and for maintaining the financial records of the Commission. Financial management shall be conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Commission’s guidelines.

Section 8 7 — In the case of a vacancy in any office, the Commission shall elect a new officer at its next public meeting.

Section 9 8 — The Commission may create standing and ad hoc committees, the members of which may include Commissioners, residents, and other members. The Chairperson of each committee shall be a duly elected Commissioner.

Section 10  — At the December meeting of the Commission, the Commission shall select a temporary “Election Chairperson” to manage the election of officers at the January meeting, as described in Section 1 of this Article.  The “Election Chairperson” shall be selected from among the Commissioners or Commissioners-elect who will be in office at the January meeting.

ARTICLE V — MEETINGS:

Section 1 — Residents from within the Commission’s boundaries and invited guests may present testimony during the Commission’s deliberations on matters. The view of residents shall be considered during the Commission’s deliberations.

Section 2 — No official actions may be taken by the Commission unless a quorum is present. A quorum is a simple majority of the Commissioners.

Section 3 — Official actions, except for the amendment of these Bylaws, shall be approved by a simple majority of those Commissioners present and voting. In the case of a tie vote, in accordance with  Robert’s Rules of Order. the Chairperson’s vote shall be the deciding vote.

Section 4 — The Commission shall meet no less than nine times annually and shall normally meet the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at a place to be determined and publicly posted.

Section 5 — The Commission may periodically host “town hall” or community meetings to address particular issues or concerns.

Section 6 — Special public meetings of the Commission may be called by the Chairperson to address issues that must be considered between regularly scheduled public meetings. Special public meetings may also be called at the written request of two Commissioners. The purpose of the special public meeting shall be stated in the request. Commissioners shall receive at least two days notice for duly called special public meetings. Reasonable public notice shall also be provided for special public meetings.

ARTICLE VI — FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT:

Section 1 — The Commission shall develop and adhere to financial management guidelines consistent with applicable laws and regulations.

Section 2 — The Commission shall consider and adopt a budget outlining revenues and expenditures planned for each fiscal year. The budget may include unbudgeted reserves. The budget shall be approved in final by a simple majority vote at a public meeting within a month from the date that the Commission is informed of its annual appropriation. The Commission may amend the budget by simple majority vote at any time during the fiscal year.

Section 3 — The Treasurer shall prepare financial reports outlining expenses and revenues for approval by the Commission in a public meeting on a quarterly basis. The report shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Auditor of the District of Columbia.

Section 4 — The signature of two officers shall be required on all drafts, money orders, and expenditures of the Commission. An officer may not sign a draft, money order, or expenditure intended for the reimbursement of expenses which she/he incurred.

Section 5 — The Treasurer shall serve as the Commission’s contact with the Auditor of the District of Columbia or other District officials on financial matters. Should the Treasurer be the subject of an audit or other investigation, the Chairperson will assign another Commissioner to assume these duties until such audit or investigation is closed.

ARTICLE VII — PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY:

The most recently revised edition of Roberts’ Rules of Order shall govern the deliberations of the Commission except when the rules are inconsistent with these Bylaws and any special rules of order the Commission may adopt.

ARTICLE VIII — OTHER PROVISIONS:

Section 1 — All staff members employees of the Commission shall be hired by the Commission and shall serve at the pleasure of the Commission. The Commission shall establish position descriptions for its employees. The staff members employees of the Commission may be hired on a full-time or part-time basis and for an indefinite or for a definite term. Persons hired by the Commission shall meet the qualifications established by the position description.

Section 2 — Copies of these Bylaws shall be made available to the public.

Section 3 – The Commission shall conduct its business in accordance with the most recently approved version of the Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission Policy and Procedures Manual.

ARTICLE IX — AMENDMENT OF THE BYLAWS:

At least two weeks notice, to each Commissioner and the public, shall be given prior to consideration of any modifications, deletions, or additions to these Bylaws. A two-thirds majority of the Commissioners is required for such amendments to be passed.

Adopted as revised — May 13, 2009